Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on enteric microbial populations in ulcerative colitis(UC)model rats

so as to study its mechanisms underlying improving UC.Methods Thirty-nine male SD rats were randomly divided into control group

model group and EA group(n=13in each group).The UC model was established by intragstric perfusion of 4%dextran sodiumaqueous solution(DSS)

once daily for 7days.EA(15-25Hz

0.1mA)was applied to bilateral"Tianshu"(ST 25)

"Zusanli"(ST 36)and"Shangjuxu"(ST 37)for 10min

once daily for 5days.Disease Activity Index(DAI)including body weight and stool blood state was used to evaluate the animals' conditions.The rats' excrement was collected to detect the abundance and diversity of bacterial populations by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis(PCR-DGGE).Results In comparison with the control group

the animals' DAI score and enteric Clostridium bifermentans content were significantly increased(P<0.05)

and the abundance and diversity of bacterial populations

and contents of enteric Lachnospiraceae bacteriumand Lactobacillus sp.were considerably down-regulated in the model group(P<0.05

P<0.01).Compared with the model group

the DAI score and enteric Clostridium bifermentans content were significantly lowered

and the abundance and diversity of bacterial populations

and contents of enteric Lachnospiraceae bacteriumand Lactobacillus sp.were notably increased in the EA group(P<0.05

P<0.01).Conclusion EA can improve DAI and the abundance and diversity of enteric bacterial microbiota in UC rats

which may be related to its protective effect on enteric microecology in UC.